It was with some amusement that I read last Friday’s guest editorial by Bruce Wynn in support of Seaplane Scenics operating flights to/from Carillon Point. I recognize that Mr. Wynn, as director of the Greater Kirkland Chamber of Commerce, has to be a cheerleader for all business activities in Kirkland. In his editorial he states that “unless someone drew your attention to it, you would not be aware of the plane when it takes off.”

I’m sorry, Mr. Wynn, but you should go in for a hearing exam. We live – not just have lunch – a few blocks north of Carillon Point, and whenever a seaplane takes off, we are quite aware of it. If we are out-of-doors or our windows are open during such an event all conversation must cease until the plane is gone. We live on the east side of Lake Washington Blvd, about 200 feet from the shoreline and separated from it by intervening lakeside properties. Assuming the planes are actually 1,000 feet from shore (a questionable assumption), they are still considerably louder than all but the loudest cigarette boats racing by much closer to shore. The noise level is similar to that of a loud motorcycle passing by on the street.

In the same edition of the Reporter (Aug. 19), Steve Larson opined that he has “never heard or seen anything a reasonable person could possibly object to.” If Mr. Larson lived 200-yards north rather than south of Carillon Point he could not make the same assertion (unless he is also auditorially challenged). The planes take off and land on the north side of Carillon Point.

I am generally supportive of encouraging new business ventures and utilizing our lake as much as possible, but the impact to the neighborhood must also be considered before giving the green light to a new venture. Given the availability of the Kenmore “airport” in a non-residential area more appropriate for this activity, I see no need for Seaplane Scenics to operate out of Carillon Point.

Respectfully,

Mark Taylor, Kirkland